Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

About Dr. Laura Dejmek, O.P.

Laura is a single, Lay Dominican living in Chicago Illinois. Her life experiences include teaching elementary school music to children ages six through twelve.
Laura is a regular ecumenical preacher at two Episcopal parishes in the suburbs of Chicago. She is the Promoter of Preaching for Lay Dominicans in the Central Province of the United States.
Laura received her doctorate in ministry in preaching via the ACTS D.Min in Preaching program in Chicago. Laura received her Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois with a double concentration in Biblical Studies and Liturgy. She is the first Master of Divinity student at Catholic Theological Union to complete this degree with a double concentration. In addition, to having a Master’s of Music, Laura is a classically-trained soprano.